He will wear the No. 7 shirt which was worn last season by Anthony Rougier.

Murray was due to be officially unveiled to the press this afternoon.

And the Evening Post also understands that Royals boss Alan Pardew is closing in on another target.

Wimbledon's David Connolly, Birmingham's Paul Devlin, Liverpool's Richie Partridge, Portsmouth's Arjan De Zeeuw and Wolves' Ivar Ingimarsson have all been tracked but it is thought a new name has also emerged from the pack.

Reading FC chief executive Nigel Howe said this morning: "Scott should officially sign today and there could be another signing but we don't want that being made public yet. We are looking to bring in two or three players maximum.

"Scott will essentially be part of our strategy to score more goals next season.

"We scored 62 last season and we need to improve on that. He will make sure we do by scoring goals and creating them for others."

Murray, aged 29, will cost an initial £400,000 with a further £250,000 depending on appearances and promotion.

However, 25 per cent of the fee - £150,000 - must go to Aston Villa, the club that he joined Bristol City from in December 1997.

Murray netted 26 goals for the Robins last season and scooped the Player of the Year award. He made a total of 271 appearances for the West Country club, netting 60 goals.

Although City were keen to keep hold of their prized asset they found Reading's offer too tempting, particularly in the current transfer market.

Murray was at first reluctant to move away from Ashton Gate where he was idolised on the terraces, but the lure of playing in Division 1 for Reading proved too much for the Aberdeen-born ace, who knows at the age of 29, this will be his last chance to make a big-money move.

Bristol City boss Danny Wilson said: "Everything is done and Scott is now a Reading player. We wish him well."